Excision of Breast Lump (Lumpectomy)

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Procedure Description

Lumpectomy, also known as excision of a breast lump, is a surgical procedure designed to remove abnormal tissue from the breast, commonly performed when a lump or suspicious mass is detected. This procedure is widely utilized in cases of both benign and malignant tumors, especially when breast cancer is diagnosed at an early stage. Unlike a mastectomy, which involves the complete removal of breast tissue, a lumpectomy aims to preserve as much of the breast as possible by only excising the lump and a margin of healthy tissue around it. This approach allows for both treatment of the disease and better cosmetic outcomes for patients.

The process begins with a thorough diagnostic evaluation, which typically includes imaging tests such as mammography, ultrasound, or MRI to accurately locate and assess the lump. In some cases, a biopsy may already have been conducted to determine the nature of the lump—whether benign or malignant. The goal of a lumpectomy is to achieve a "clear margin," meaning that all cancerous cells are removed, and the surrounding tissue is free of malignancy.

During the procedure, the patient is placed under local or general anesthesia depending on the complexity of the surgery and patient preferences. The surgeon makes an incision near or over the lump, carefully excising the abnormal tissue while preserving the appearance of the breast. Once the lump is removed, the tissue is sent for further pathological analysis to ensure the margins are clear. The incision is then closed with sutures, and the patient is monitored for a brief recovery period before returning home. In many cases, lumpectomy is followed by radiation therapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Procedure Duration

The duration of a lumpectomy procedure typically ranges from 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the size and location of the lump, as well as the patient’s overall health. However, several phases should be considered when assessing the total time commitment for the procedure.

First, there is the preoperative phase, which involves the initial consultation, diagnostic testing, and planning. This stage could take a few days to a week as it involves gathering all the necessary information to determine whether a lumpectomy is the right approach. During this phase, patients may also be referred for imaging tests to better visualize the lump.

The surgical phase itself is usually completed within an hour. Patients are placed under anesthesia, and the surgeon carefully excises the lump. Once the lump is removed, the breast tissue is evaluated to ensure that no malignant cells are left behind. While the actual surgery is brief, additional time is required for anesthesia preparation, the surgical team to position the patient, and post-surgery monitoring.

Finally, the recovery phase includes both immediate post-surgery recovery and long-term healing. Patients are usually able to return home the same day, but they may experience some soreness, swelling, and tenderness in the affected breast for several days to weeks. In terms of long-term recovery, patients can typically return to light activities within a few days but are advised to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for about four to six weeks. If radiation therapy is required, this typically begins a few weeks after surgery, further extending the recovery period.

Benefits

  • Breast preservation: Unlike a full mastectomy, a lumpectomy removes only the lump, preserving most of the breast tissue and maintaining the breast’s appearance.
  • Effective treatment for early-stage breast cancer: When combined with radiation therapy, lumpectomy offers a similar success rate to mastectomy in early-stage breast cancer patients.
  • Faster recovery time: Since lumpectomy is a less invasive surgery, patients typically experience a quicker recovery and shorter downtime compared to more extensive surgeries.
  • Outpatient procedure: Many lumpectomies are performed as outpatient procedures, allowing patients to go home the same day and recover in the comfort of their own environment.
  • Cosmetic advantages: Surgeons often make incisions in discreet locations to minimize visible scarring and preserve the natural shape of the breast.

Potential Destinations

1. Thailand

Known for its advanced medical facilities and highly trained surgeons, Thailand offers affordable lumpectomy procedures in state-of-the-art hospitals. With a focus on medical tourism, patients can expect a blend of expert care and a comfortable recovery experience.

2. Turkey

Turkey has gained recognition for its skilled surgeons and cutting-edge technology in breast surgery. Many hospitals offer comprehensive care, including post-surgery follow-up and radiation therapy, at lower costs compared to Western countries.

3. India

India is a popular destination for medical tourists seeking high-quality healthcare at competitive prices. Leading hospitals in cities such as Mumbai and Delhi offer lumpectomy procedures with internationally accredited medical teams and advanced treatment options.

4. Mexico

For patients in North America, Mexico provides a convenient option for lumpectomy procedures, with top-tier hospitals located near the U.S. border. With experienced breast surgeons and personalized care, it is an attractive choice for many international patients.

5. South Korea

South Korea is renowned for its advanced medical technology and expertise in cancer treatment. Medical tourists choose South Korea for its exceptional standard of care, high survival rates in breast cancer treatment, and world-class hospitals equipped with the latest surgical technologies.

Risks & Considerations

  • Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the incision site. Patients should closely monitor the area for signs of redness, swelling, or discharge and follow proper wound care instructions.
  • Changes in breast appearance: Although lumpectomy aims to preserve the breast, some patients may notice a change in shape or size, especially if a significant portion of tissue is removed.
  • Scarring: Depending on the location and size of the incision, patients may experience visible scarring. Over time, scars typically fade, but some patients may be more prone to noticeable scar tissue.
  • Numbness: Some patients may experience numbness or reduced sensation in the breast or underarm area following surgery, which may be temporary or permanent.
  • Recurrence of cancer: While lumpectomy is an effective treatment for early-stage breast cancer, there is still a risk of recurrence. Follow-up care, including radiation therapy, helps reduce this risk.

How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital

When considering a lumpectomy, it is crucial to choose a surgeon who specializes in breast surgery and has extensive experience with the procedure. Start by researching the surgeon's credentials, including board certification and any additional training in breast cancer surgery. Ensure that the surgeon is familiar with the latest techniques, such as oncoplastic surgery, which combines cancer treatment with aesthetic outcomes to preserve the breast’s natural shape.

Additionally, selecting the right hospital or medical center is vital. Look for facilities that have a dedicated breast cancer treatment program with access to multidisciplinary care, including radiologists, oncologists, and plastic surgeons if needed. Internationally accredited hospitals with modern operating rooms, comprehensive postoperative care, and transparent pricing are ideal for ensuring a successful outcome. Make sure to ask questions about the hospital's infection control measures and postoperative support to optimize your recovery experience.

To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote

Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?

The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.

What happens during egg retrieval?

When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment  where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.

What happens to the eggs?

In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle.  Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.

How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?

The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.

Embryoscope©

Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.

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